Bat with patterned handle

ABSTRACT

A bat for use in the game of baseball or softball with a pattern burnt, etched or carved into the bat&#39;s handle. The pattern creates a tactile frictional contact between the player&#39;s hands and the handle in order to enhance the grip on the bat, which replaces and eliminates the need for the application of materials that enhance grip, such as pine tar. The device enhances either left or right handed players&#39; grips; and can be used by both children as well as adults of both genders. The invention&#39;s pattern can be made of aesthetically pleasing patterns of varying shapes and sizes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application assigned Ser. No. 29/320,969 that was filed on Mar. 5, 2009, now abandoned, and the benefit of the earlier filed application is claimed.

In addition, Design Patent Applications for two alternate pattern designs of the present invention are presently registered with U.S. Registrations Nos. D601,648 issued Oct. 6, 2009, and D606,137 issued Dec. 15, 2009, respectively.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of devices such as bats, for use in sports such as baseball and softball, with a purpose for eliminating the use of application of materials that enhance grip, such as pine tar on a bat's handle while enhancing the player's grip on the bat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Games in which a player bats a ball, such as baseball and softball, are popular with both children and adults. Players apply application of materials that enhance grip, such as pine tar on the bat's handle so the bat doesn't slip from their grip while they are swinging the bat. The application of the pine tar on the bat's handle is messy, has an unpleasant odor, and must be applied before use.

It is important to have a firm grip on the handle while batting. A device which enhances the player's grip on the bat, without the mess, frequent applications, and unpleasant odor, is a significant improvement over the present application of pine tar on bats.

Therefore, there is a need for a bat which eliminates the application of materials that enhance grip, such as pine tar, while maintaining pine tar's advantages of enhancing the batter's grip on the bat.

The present invention successfully accomplishes these goals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A device, as recited in the claims, is provided which enhances the player's grip on a baseball or softball bat's handle while swinging the bat.

The present device consists of bat with a continuous and unbroken pattern lacking intervening smooth areas, said pattern is incorporated into the bat's handle created by a plurality of channels recessed into the handle's surface a predetermined depth, width, length and distance apart. Formed in the remaining spaces in between the channels, is a plurality of curvilinear surface structures. The pattern can be made of channels of varying shapes, (lengths, widths of a range from 0.049 to 0.469 inches and depths of a range from 0.034 to 0.332 inches), and curvilinear surface structures of varying shapes, (lengths and widths), in order to be aesthetically pleasing in additional to being functional.

When swinging the bat, the unique pattern of the instant invention creates a tactile frictional contact between the batter's hands and the bat's patterned handle, in order to enhance the player's grip on the patterned handle without the need for pine tar. Therefore, the present invention increases the safety of the batter, since the patterned bat will not slip out of the player's hands while swinging the bat. It also improves the batter's comfort and control. Also, the patterned bat can be easily cleaned.

Preferably, the pattern is formed on a wooden bat, although the bat could also be metal, or any common non-wood material. If the bat is made of wood, the pattern is preferably incorporated into the bat by burning means. Also, the patterned wooden bat can be easily stained. Alternatively, if the bat is made of metal or other non-wood material, the pattern is incorporated into the bat by conventional means (either by carved or etched into the handle of the bat).

The present invention can be used by persons of all ages and genders. The present invention can also be used by either right or left handed players.

The pattern will be completely around the handle's circumference. Any combination of patterns can be used, such as geometric patterns, or patterns with fanciful logos or motifs, such a baseball bats, or baseball diamonds, among others.

In addition to giving the player more control and comfort, the pattern which is completely around the handle's circumference also allows the player the freedom of choice to grip the handle in any position in order to hit the ball in the most optimum position, according to the preferred swing.

The length of the pattern on the handle will conform to the rule concerning length of pine tar application on a bat's handle as set forth in Section 1.10(c) of the Rulebook of the United States Major League Baseball Commission, which states that a handle for not more than 18 inches from its end, may be covered or treated with any substance to improve the grip.

Also, for adult bats, the present invention will conform to Section 1.10(a) of the Rulebook of the United States Major League Baseball Commission, which states that a bat shall be a round stick not more than 2¾ inches in diameter at the thickest part and not more than 42 inches in length. For youth bats, the properties of the bat would conform to the official rules of Little League Baseball. The size of present invention varies according to batter's age and hand size.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of the bat, showing the patterned handle portion.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of the end of the knob portion of the bat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of the opposite end (tip) of the bat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the mirror-image opposite side of the bat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a fragmentary cross-sectional view along a vertical plane in the lengthwise direction of the bat of FIG. 1, showing the recessed channels and curvilinear surface structures remaining in between.

FIG. 6 illustrates a fragmentary cross-sectional view along a vertical plane in the arch shaped (circumferential) direction of the bat of FIG. 1, showing the recessed channels and curvilinear surface structures remaining in between.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a bat with an alternate pattern.

FIG. 7A illustrates an enlarged fragmentary view of the alternate pattern.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Over recent years, there have been prior art devices which disclose inventions related to baseball bat handles. The present invention can be differentiated from the prior art since the prior art does not have present invention's duality of a unique aesthetic pattern incorporated into (burnt, carved or etched) the surface of the bat, while simultaneously enhancing the batter's grip on the handle which eliminates the need for application of materials that enhance grip, such as pine tar. Therefore, the present invention is not a separate element which overlays or is dipped onto the surface of the bat's handle, but is a pattern incorporated into the materials and structure of the existing bat, (by either carving, burning, or etching means).

There are several patents which disclose devices related to baseball bats, which can be differentiated from the present invention. These prior art include:

Inventor Pat. No. Date Vacek et. al. 7,377,868 B2 May 27, 2008 Satloff US D560261 S Jan. 22, 2008 Kramer 6,932,727 B2 Aug., 23, 2005 Gilligan, et. al. 6,881,164 B2 Apr. 19, 2005 Kramer 6,752,731 B1 Jun. 22, 2004 Andrews D485,876 S Jan. 27, 2004 Huang 6,663,500B2 Dec. 16, 2003 Miller 6,669,584 B1 Dec. 30, 2003 Sassak 5,984,812A Nov. 16, 1999 Rens 5,730,662 A Mar. 24, 1998 Williams 5,611,533 Mar. 18, 1997 Smith 5,482,270 Jan. 9, 1996 J. Fleischer, 2,983,512 May 9, 1961 W. Gray 300,360 Jun. 17, 1884

The present invention is an improvement over these prior art for the following reasons:

Satloff, US D560, 261 S, dated Jan. 22, 2008, discloses an ornamental design of a baseball bat. The '261 invention does not teach the unique structure of the present invention. The present invention is more than just a design; it teaches a patterned structure which enhances grip and eliminates the need for pine tar.

Kramer, U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,727 B2, dated Aug. 23, 2005, discloses a separate raised longitudinal structure which overlays the bat's handle, and moves around the bat's handle, to improve grip. The present invention is an improvement over the '727 invention since no separate overlay is needed; the present invention teaches a patterned structure incorporated (built into) the bat, which improves grip and eliminates the need for pine tar.

Gilligan, et. al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,881,164 B2, dated Apr. 19, 2005, discloses a slurry applied to the outer surface a bat handle by dipping the bat handle into the slurry, in order to enhance grip. The present invention is an improvement over the '881 invention, since no foreign substance (such as slurry) is needed in the present invention; the present invention teaches a patterned structure incorporated (built into) the bat, which improves grip and eliminates the need for pine tar.

Kramer, 2004, U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,731 B1, dated Jun. 22, 2004, discloses a grip of a longitudinal raised surface on a bat handle, which moves around the bat handle, and is immovable when manually squeezed, which is made of thermoplastic rubbers to reduce vibration, sting and blistering of the batter. The present invention is an improvement over the '731 invention, since no separate overlay is needed in the present invention; the present invention teaches a patterned structure incorporated (built into) the bat, which improves grip and eliminates the need for pine tar.

Williams, U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,533, dated Mar. 18, 1997, discloses a separate longitudinal tube member on a bat handle, with abrasive surface, to improve grip. The present invention is an improvement over the '533 invention, since no separate tube member is needed in the present invention; the present invention teaches a patterned structure incorporated (built into) the bat, which improves grip and eliminates the need for pine tar.

Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,270, dated Jan. 9, 1996, discloses a handle portion with longitudinally curvilinear shims with cushioning members placed on the handle which fit the user's fingers for enhanced grip. The present invention is an improvement over the '270 invention, since no separate shim is needed in the present invention; the present invention teaches a patterned structure incorporated (built into) the bat, which improves grip and eliminates the need for pine tar.

W. Gray, 300,360 dated Jun. 17, 1884, discloses an ornamental design for a baseball bat. The '360 invention does not teach the unique structure of the present invention. The present invention is more than just a design; it teaches a patterned structure which enhances grip and eliminates the need for pine tar.

J. Fleischer, U.S. Pat. No. 2,983,512, dated May 9, 1961, discloses a wooden baseball bat with a patterned handle which provides a coefficient of friction between the bat and the hands of the batter. The height of the '512 pattern is so selected with respect to tape which may be wound around the handle to ensure that the pattern remains sensible through the tape. In addition, the pattern of '512 is arranged in generally elongated areas with intervening smooth areas being so phased with respect to the close grained are of the bat to indicate to the batsman the position in which the bat should be held to present the close grained area to the ball. The present invention is an improvement over '512 since the present invention's pattern is a continuous and unbroken pattern, which allows for a batter to grip the handle in any chosen position; the batter is not limited to a specific area to hold the bat. In addition, the depth and width of the present invention's channels correspond to the chosen pattern, and do not correspond to tape, as do the dimensions of the protuberances in '512. In the present invention, no tape is necessary to reap the benefits of the present invention.

The remaining prior art include various attempts to improve the performance of a bat to strike a ball or the performance of a ball. These include the additions of apertures parallel to the bat's axis (Vacek. et.al. U.S. Pat. No. 7,377,868 B2 dated May 27, 2008); design covering striking surface (Andrews, D 485,876 S dated Jan. 27, 2004); sleeve about a gripping handle, (Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,584 B1, Dec. 30, 2003); layered covering of golf handle (Huang, U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,500 B2 dated Dec. 16, 2003); hollow sleeve adapted to be slidably inserted over the handle (Rens, U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,662 dated Mar. 24, 1998); and mesh panel creating a sticky surface, (Sassak U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,812 Nov. 16, 1999). The present invention is an improvement of this prior art in that it improves the batter's grip, choice, comfort and control beyond that of this prior art; it does not need to resort to additional coverings, sleeves, or surfaces, since the pattern of the present invention is an integral part of the bat's structure.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages stated above, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:

To provide for a device which enhances a batter's grip;

To provide for a device which replaces and eliminates application of materials that enhance grip, such as pine tar;

To provide for a device which decreases in the risk of injury;

To provide for a device which can be used by users of all ages and genders;

To provide for a device which accommodates various sized users;

To provide for a device which is manufactured out of common bat materials, such as wood or metal;

To provide for a device which is manufactured out of one piece of material, without the need for additional pieces;

To provide for a device which is easily cleaned;

To provide for a device which, if made out of wood, can be stained;

To provide for a device which complies with the regulations set forth in the Rulebook of the United States Major League Baseball Commission;

To provide for a device which increased the user's comfort; and

To provide for a device which allows the batter freedom of choice to grip the handle in a preferred position corresponding to the preferred swing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referencing FIGS. 1-7A, the following detailed description of the invention describes its structure and method of use. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7, the invention is a bat 1 with a barrel 3, knob 4, (shown in detail in FIG. 2), tip 5, (shown in detail in FIG. 3) and handle 2.

Incorporated into handle 2, is a unique pattern (as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 7, and 7A). When the batter's hands grip the patterned handle 2, a frictional tactile contact is formed between the player's hands and the patterned handle 2, which enhances the batter's grip on the patterned handle 2 and replaces and eliminates the need for pine tar.

The invention's pattern can be made of aesthetically pleasing patterns of varying shapes and sizes. For example, FIGS. 1 and 4 illustrate a pattern of repeated linear rows of concentric circles (larger outer circles and smaller inner circles). FIGS. 7 and 7A illustrates an alternate pattern of repeated oblique diamonds.

As shown in detail in FIGS. 1, 4, and 7 the pattern is a continuous pattern along the length and the circumference of the handle 2. As further illustrated in FIG. 5, a fragmentary cross-sectional view along the lengthwise direction 5-5′ of FIG. 1, shows the plurality of channels 7 and the corresponding curvilinear surface structures 6 which form the pattern. Also illustrated in FIG. 6, is a fragmentary cross-sectional view along the arch shaped (circumferential) direction 6-6′ of FIG. 1, shows the plurality of channels 7 and the corresponding curvilinear structures 6 which form the pattern.

As further shown in detail in FIGS. 5 and 6, the plurality of channels 7 are positioned a predetermined distance apart and are also of a predetermined depth and width. In FIG. 5, the width of channel 7 is b 0.147 inches and the depth of channel 7 is 0.065 inches. In FIG. 6, the width of channel 7 is 0.147 and the depth of channel 7 is 0.078 inches. Upon comparison of FIGS. 5 and 6, the depth of channel 7 increases (from 0.065 inches to 0.078 inches), as the pattern nears the knob 4, which allows for maximum control and comfort. As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5 and 6, the predetermined width of channel 7 is 0.147 inches, and depth of channel 7 which ranges from 0.065 to 0.078 inches corresponds to the pattern of concentric circles.

The plurality of curvilinear surface structures 6 are formed from the curvilinear surfaces remaining in between the plurality of channels 7, and are also a predetermined distance apart, depending on the number of rows of concentric circles chosen.

An alternate pattern of repeated oblique diamonds is illustrated in FIG. 7, and an enlarged fragmentary view in FIG. 7A shows a cross- sectional view the plurality of channels 7 and plurality of curvilinear surfaces 6 remaining in between. In FIG. 7A, the width of channel 7 is 0.097 inches and the depth of channel 7 is 0.057 inches. For maximum control and comfort, the depth of the channels 7 in the oblique diamond pattern do not deepen nearer the knob 4.

The plurality of curvilinear surface structures 6 are formed from the curvilinear surfaces remaining in between the plurality of channels 7, and are also a predetermined distance apart, depending on the number of rows of oblique diamonds chosen.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, and 7, the pattern's length along the handle 2, conforms to the length regulated the United States Major League Baseball Commission.

Also, for the myriad of patterns that can be chosen, (including the concentric circle pattern shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, and 6, and the oblique diamond pattern shown in FIGS. 7 and 7A), the surface area of the total curvilinear surface structures 6 equals the surface area of the handle 2 less the total widths of the channels 7. The surface area of the handle 2 will depend on the size of the bat.

For the present invention, the preferred range of the diameter of handle 2 is from 0.88 inches in diameter at its thinnest area to 2.00 inches in diameter at its thickest area (nearest knob 4). Dimensions vary due to batter's age and hand size.

REFERENCE NUMBERS IN THE DRAWINGS

-   1. device -   2. handle portion -   3. barrel portion -   4. knob -   5. tip -   6. plurality of curvilinear surface structures -   7. plurality of channels 

1. A bat for use in the game of baseball or softball comprising: a handle, a knob, a barrel and a tip; said handle further comprising a continuous and unbroken pattern lacking free space or sharp edges consisting of a plurality of channels positioned a predetermined distance apart from each other and having a predetermined width and recessed a predetermined depth into the curvilinear surface of said handle; and positioned in the remaining spaces in between said channels are a plurality of curvilinear surface structures; wherein when a user swings said bat, said pattern creates a tactile frictional contact between the hands of said user and said handle, wherein said tactile frictional contact enhances the grip on said handle by maximizing choice of where to grip said handle, comfort and control, without the need for means to enhance grip, such as pine tar application.
 2. A bat as described in claim 1, said channels having a predetermined width of a range from 0.049 to 0.469 inches and depth of a range from 0.034 to 0.332 inches into said curvilinear surface of said handle; said width and depth of said channels corresponding to said pattern.
 3. A bat as described in claim 1, wherein said pattern consists of said channels and said curvilinear surface structures of varying shapes and sizes, such as repeated geometric designs, logos, or fanciful shapes, in order to be aesthetically pleasing.
 4. A bat as described in claim 1, wherein said channels are manufactured by conventional application means, such as burning, carving or etching.
 5. A bat as described in claim 1, wherein said bat is manufactured of conventional materials, such as wood or metal.
 6. A method for using a bat with a knob, handle, barrel, and tip, in the game of baseball or softball; said handle further comprising a continuous and unbroken pattern lacking free space or sharp edges consisting of a plurality of channels positioned a predetermined distance apart from each other and having a predetermined width and recessed a predetermined depth into the curvilinear surface of said handle, and positioned in the remaining spaces in between said channels are a plurality of curvilinear surface structures; said method comprising the following steps: (i) a user grips said handle with its hands, while (ii) simultaneously swinging said bat, whereby (iii) said pattern creates a tactile frictional contact between the hands of said user and said handle, wherein said tactile frictional contact enhances grip on said handle by maximizing choice of where to grip said handle, comfort and control, without the need for means to enhance grip, such as pine tar application.
 7. A bat as described in claim 6 said channels having a predetermined width of a range from 0.049 to 0.469 inches and depth of a range from 0.034 to 0.332 inches into said curvilinear surface of said handle; said width and depth of said channels corresponding to said pattern.
 8. A method as described in claim 6, wherein said pattern consists of said channels and said curvilinear surface structures of varying shapes and sizes, such as repeated geometric designs, logos, or fanciful shapes, in order to be aesthetically pleasing.
 9. A method as described in claim 6, wherein said channels are manufactured by conventional application means, such as burning, carving or etching.
 10. A method as described in claim 6, wherein said bat is manufactured of conventional materials, such as wood or metal. 